Hienghene claim historic OFC title

11 May 2019

Hienghene Sport secure maiden OFC Champions League title

Amy Antoine Roine's wondergoal seals 1-0 win against AS Magenta

First New Caledonian team to win continental crown

Hienghene Sport won their first OFC Champions League crown thanks to a sensational second half strike by substitute Amy Antoine Roine - whose goal from inside his own half secured a 1-0 victory over AS Magenta.

The two sides from New Caledonia played out an entertaining and chance-laden spectacle at the Stade Numa-Daly in Nouméa. In the opening half, Magenta took control of the match with Hienghene launching a number of dangerous counter-attacks. A well-hit volley by Jean Christ Wajoka was the closest either side came in the first 45 minutes, as the two teams went into the break all square at 0-0.

It would take a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock.

Just after the hour mark, substitute Roine won the ball in his own half, close to the centre circle. Seeing Magenta goalkeeper Steeve Ixoee quite a distance off his line, he tried his luck and the ball arced perfectly over the stranded 'keeper, bouncing once before settling in the net to put his side ahead.

Magenta pressed for a leveller, denied superbly by goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine not long after going behind, but Hienghene held on. A late red card for Magenta's Mickael Tiaou after an unseemly scuffle saw his side finish the game with ten men, as their opponents clung on to claim their historic victory.